While the Phillies and Yankees continue to battle it out to see which team wears the ring (Yankees up three games to one), the Chicago Cubs will get to work on the 2010 campaign this week.
The Cubs' brass will hold their annual organization meetings in Mesa, the first with Tom Ricketts in attendance. With the GM meetings just around the corner (November 9-11 in Chicago), the Cubs will discuss their plan of attack for getting the team back in the post-season next year.
The next three and a half months figure to be anything but boring on the North Side and as Bruce Miles put it, the first of a long series of farfetched rumors centered around Milton Bradley have already hit the mill ...
Tom Ricketts
The Cubs' new owner spoke with NPR on Friday and then again on Saturday morning.
Here is the link to the interview on NPR from Friday.
Mr. Ricketts also spent time with NPR Saturday morning. The Cubs' chairman reiterated many of the same points as he did multiple times on Friday.
"The real key for consistent performance and trying to win the division every single year is developing our own players. You've got to draft the right people and you've got to have scouts and coaches that are coordinated and working together to turn the right players into real producers at the major league level."
Mr. Ricketts continued his praise of Lou Piniella and contends he is "one of the best managers in baseball." As for Jim Hendry, Mr. Ricketts seemed to soften his stance a little on the Cubs' GM. "We are going to give him the opportunity to put us over the hump next year in 2010."
Link to the audio of the interview on NPR with Tom Ricketts
Copy of the letter sent out to season ticket holders on Friday
(click on image to enlarge)
Non-Tenders
Buster Olney thinks there will be a flood of non-tenders on the open market this winter. "The financial restructuring that has been occurring across the landscape is about to hit the arbitration-level players like a tidal wave."
"Executives say many of the names being discussed by teams as possible trade bait include a growing number of players with three to five-plus years of service time -- players who are eligible for arbitration. This is widely being read as a precursor to a wave of players in that group not being tendered contracts before the Dec. 12 deadline. "I think the market will get flooded with non-tenders," opined a veteran executive."
Buster Olney reported "the arbitration process is now outdated" according to one "highly ranked executive" he spoke with recently. Players can get more money from arbitration in some cases then from free agency.
Olney was told to expect "dozens of young players with three, four and five years of major league experience" to be released instead of offering arbitration in the next 40 days. "Not a handful, but dozens."
Milton Bradley
The Cubs shot down the Milton Bradley-for-Vernon Wells rumors that surfaced on Saturday morning. The Cubs are trying to deal Bradley despite the fact Ryan Dempster told the Tribune the Cubs would welcome Bradley back to the clubhouse.
Arizona Fall League
The Mesa Solar Sox had Sunday off, but Starlin Castro continued to hit the ball on Saturday.
Cubs' Prospects Stats in Winter Ball
The MLB Network will televise two games from the AFL in November ... the Rising Stars Game from Surprise Stadium on November 7 and the AFL Championship Game from Scottsdale Stadium on November 21.
2009 - 2010 Off-Season Baseball Calendar
November
4 - 25th Annual Cubs Convention Tickets Go on Sale
9 - 11 - General Managers meetings in Chicago, Illinois
10 - End of Waiver period
11 - Beginning of New Waiver period
20 - Day to file reserve lists for all Major and Minor League levels
30 - December 4 - Major League Baseball Players Association executive board meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona
BBWAA Awards - All Award winners announced at 2:00pm E.S.T.
16 - NL and AL Rookie of the Year
17 - AL Cy Young Award
18 - NL and AL Manager of the Year
19 - NL Cy Young Award
23 - AL Most Valuable Player
24 - NL Most Valuable Player
December
1 - Last date for former club to offer salary arbitration to ranked XX(B) free agents in order to be eligible for compensation. Deadline is midnight eastern
1 - 2009 Hall of Fame Ballot Released
4 - Last day to request outright waivers to assign player prior to the Rule 5 Draft
7 - Last date for players who declared free agency under Art. XX (B) to accept arbitration offer from former club. Deadline is midnight eastern.
7 - 10 - Baseball Winter Meetings in Indianapolis, Indiana
10 - Rule 5 Draft
12 - Last day to tender contracts. Deadline is midnight eastern
2010
January
5 - 15 - Salary arbitration filing period
6 - BBWAA Hall of Fame voting announced
15 - 17 - 25th Annual Cubs Convention
19 - Exchange of salary arbitration figures
February
1 - 21 - Salary arbitration hearings
15 - End of Waiver Period
16 - Beginning of New Waiver Period
18 - Voluntary reporting date to Spring Training for pitchers, catchers and injured players
23 - Voluntary reporting date to Spring Training for other players
March
2 - Mandatory reporting date to Spring Training for all players
2 - 11 - Teams may renew contracts of unsigned players
17 - Last day to place a player on unconditional release waivers and pay 30 days termination pay instead of 45 days
31 - Last day to request unconditional release waivers on a player without having to pay his full 2010 salary
April
4 - Active Rosters Reduced to 25 players
4 - MLB Opening Night
5 - Opening Day for Chicago Cubs in Atlanta
12 - Cubs Home Opener against the Milwaukee Brewers
Will Update Off-Season Calendar throughout winter
Random Cub of the Day
The Yankees traded Dick Tidrow to the Cubs on May 23, 1979 for Ray Burris and was granted free agency following the 1981 season. The Cubs re-signed Dick Tidrow as a free agent on February 19, 1982.
Tidrow ended up being a valuable piece of Cubs history and inadvertently helped them win the 1984 National League Eastern Division Championship. Tidrow was traded to the White Sox on January 25, 1983 along with Randy Martz, Pat Tabler and Scott Fletcher for Warren Brusstar and Steve Trout.
Dick Tidrow's Page from the Baseball Cube
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FYI -
Arbitration Eligible Players - Cot's Contracts.
Jeff Baker inf 3.049
Neal Cotts lhp 4.081
Tom Gorzelanny lhp 2.160 - Super 2
Angel Guzman rhp 3.095
Aaron Heilman rhp 5.123
Koyie Hill c 3.006
Carlos Marmol rhp 3.084
Sean Marshall lhp 3.088
Ryan Theriot inf 3.118
I see everyone on this list getting resigned before they reach arbitration hearings. The one possible exception might be Cotts.
Joe...I don't see another season of Heilman in long relief...unless they plan
on having him compete for the fifth starter's position...(his desire with both the Mets and us)...he should be non tendered...and someone else given the shot...(Gaub/Cashner/Coleman/Pabelbon etc.) I do think the Cubs should try and make some minor trades to get more arms in the system.
As much as I don't want him....I think they will keep him. He wasn't that bad...Lou just needs to realize Aaron needs to start innings fresh not come in with runners on base. If they perhaps trade Marshall...he could end up being the long man spot starter.
Suzy, I do not see Hendry not tendering Heilman a contract. He wanted him for years. I would not be surprised if he was traded to a team looking for a starter ... like the Mariners were planning before Hendry swooped in last year.
Like you pointed out, that is what Heilman wants to do ... start.
Thank you for posting the list ... had it on my list for after the series and I will post then as planned.
A young Martz, Tabler and Fletcher were supposed to be key parts of the Cubs future success ... still waiting ...
Pat Tabler wasn't much of anything special, although he did managea 12 year career.
He never had a regular position playing all over from 3B to LF to DH and 1B. He finished his career with a decent batting average of .282 but had little power--47 home runs over his career.
After he left the Cubs he went on to the Indians and the Royals. After 10 years of playing on miserable teams, Tabler signed with the Blue Jays in 1991 and reached the ALCS which the Jays lost to the Twins. He returned to the post season the following year which is when the Jays won the World Series with the famous Joe Carter homerun off Mitch Williams. Tabler went out on top, retiring at the end of the season.
Scott Fletcher spent the first half of his 15 year career as a shortstop and the second half as a second baseman.
After leaving the Cubs he had two tours with the crosstown White Sox. There were several years with the Rangers in between the tours. He made pit stops in Boston, Milwaukee and Detroit to close his career.
He would be best described as "scrappy". He played in an era when shortstops were there for their glove and not so much their bat. His first year after the trade he reached the ALCS with the White Sox but lost to the Orioles. He never made the post season again.
Randy Martz is the one player who completely disappeared after this trade. He started one game in the 1983 season for the White Sox going 5 innings while giving up 4 hits and 2 runs and not getting a decision. That would be his last ever major league appearance.
In the two full seasons with the Cubs, what stood out most about Martz is his inability to strike people out. In 1981 he had 32 K's over 107 innings. In 1982 he had just 40 K's over 147 innings.
Just want to let everyone know that the original link to JimK's obit in the
Indianapolis star seems to be working now
in both the Community Blog and "Weekend Update". Under "Community Blog" Joe S.
also left a link direct to the mortuary
where you can leave a comment for the family.
What a difference a year makes.
Just reread JimK's writings.
Aaron, you might find your comments
to Jim's "The Cubs Win Lineup" 10/28/08
of particular interest.
It just goes to show how we can all get snookered by JH in our love for the team.
This is meant in a good hearted way...
and not to show you up...but I was
struck by how a year...made a proposal
go from reasonable to outlandish.
I miss JimK's wisdom already...and big time.
Yeah, it's kind of funny to look back on it. I was originally okay with the idea of Bradley based solely on the premise that they got Dunn. When it became clear that the Cubs had no intention of getting Dunn, or Abreu...or even Ibanez, I became furious, because I knew he was only good for about 120 games tops, and averaged 85 games over his career. If you think about it, it would've made sense at the time, provided we got another bat, but having signed him as our "featured" bat, it ended up being a disaster. Despite the fact we all basically agree he was a horrible signing, and an equally horrible teammate, he still ended up with the 3rd best OBP on the team at .378. Dunn finished with 38 hr, 105 RBI, .267 avg, .398 OBP, and .529 SLG.
Abreu finished with 15 hr, 103 RBI, .299 avg, .404 OBP, .435 SLG
Ibanez finished with 34 hr, 93 RBI, .272 avg, .347 OBP, .552 SLG
Anyway, you probably get my drift. Hendry erred considerably when he thought Bradley could morph into a featured bat in our lineup, and the rest is history. In Texas, Josh Hamilton was the featured bat, and Bradley was a good compliment, but could you imagine if the Rangers had featured Bradley as their primary offseason target and featured bat like the Cubs brass was touting Bradley as?!?
Kenney and Hendry lamented the 100+ run differential from 2008 vs 2009, and it's quite clear that if we'd added another bat like the ones listed above, we would've made up for the difference. How could Hendry possibly have thought Bradley could get 90-100+ RBI?!?
It just seems like every offseason when you expect Hendry to do the logical/smart thing, he does the opposite, and because of the team's success in 2007 and 2008, he got away with his reckless personnel decisions. After all, who is going to question the GM of a team that just made the playoffs 2 years in a row? I know I was one that came out guns a blazin' against Hendry with his moves the past 3 years, but my criticism was met with a lot of resistance...until now
It has been reported that this offseason will be unlike any other in history for the simple reason of arbitrations and an expected unprecedented number of non-tenders being available (most of them between 25-29 years old). Therefore, we could see the likes of a Teahen, Delmon Young, Hermida, Francoeur, and Kelly Johnson among the likely non-tender candidates.
But expecting Hendry to get involved is painful to watch from the sidelines. It's the same reason I was beside myself in 2007 why we didn't get Josh Hamilton. We clearly needed a left-handed bat in the OF as a 3rd or 4th outfielder because they'd soured on Jacque Jones by that time, and yet he went after an oft-injured Cliff Floyd that he had a hard on for for quite awhile. The question at the time was Hamilton's character (drug) issues, and that was basically the reason for the Cubs selling his rights to the Reds at the time. Funny how 1 offseason later, Hendry signed Bradley, who had a LENGTHY list of character issues.
As I've said before, we have issues at C, 2B, LF, CF, RF, and middle relief. About the only solution being bantered about is bringing up Castro to either play SS (moving Theriot to 2B), or just inserting Castro at 2B right off the bat. For RF, it looks like Fukudome will be moving there, making the position even worse than when Bradley was with us, and going after a CF via free agency, or just going with Fuld or Reed Johnson there. It appears Soto will get a free pass, and Soriano's contract is immovable. It's quite possible the Cubs won't go after a solid reliever like Billy Wagner, so I'm not really sure how we improve next year, especially with $120 million already committed, and nearly $10 million or more due in arbitration raises. That'd leave about $10 million to fix everything else...not likely to happen.
We'd more than likely have to pick up almost all of Bradley's 2010 salary, plus whatever bad contract we take on. The thought of someone straight up swapping a bad contract with Bradley's seems like pure fantasy to me. So, for instance, if we had to pay $6 million+ of Bradley's deal, and take on a salary like Burrell, we'd be absorbing another $8 million on our payroll minus maybe $2 million of Bradley's, so net is about $6 million, which would mean we could only take on about $4 million, which would only leave room for a marginal talent at best, and we all know that Hendry can't land a young MLB-ready impact player through trade.
There's not much reason to be optimistic, but hopefully JimK gets in the ear of the Almighty, and makes things happen for the Cubbies.
I like Bruce Miles but I think this winter will be very low key , relatively speaking.
Outside of them looking to trade Bradley, what other major moves could they possibly do ? They aren't going to spend money on big time free agents and they are loaded with immovable contracts. They have little payroll flexibility.
Sure, maybe there will be some minor stuff, like picking up a second baseman or CF, but other than that, I see a very quiet winter. ...
and I'm not complaining, just making the point.
I would like to see us make dumping Miles
a second priority...even if he hits better...he doesn't bring much to the table.
Agreed!!
Big deals? No, small deals, yes and it is usually the "small" trades that payoff. From what I am hearing many of the moves the Cubs will make this winter will be via the trade market. It will not be a overhaul, but should be anything but boring.
Ticket prices going up again? What a surprise. But I am fine with paying whatever if the Ricketts will supply us with a World Series. I'm also glad that he seems passionate and isn't a faceless corporation like the Tribune who couldn't give a crap about anything besides revenue.
Mywrigleyville.com
I'm right there with you Suzy...I miss his blogging...but more specifically his amazing stories of his life experiences.
I do encourage all of the CCO readers who enjoyed reading JimK's posts to leave a comment on the morturary site for Jim's "trophy wife" Joyce to be able to read. I am sure through all the sadness she is experiencing after losing her life long partner (they recently celebrated 50 years of marriage) it can help bring a sense of peace to her by hearing how Jim touched so many lives, especially through the CCO where he was able to share his love of the Chicago Cubs. So, again...please visit the site and leave a comment in the guest book.
http://www.leppertmortuary.com/GuestBookView.aspx?ID=1066
Don't forget his son John...I saw on one of his posts...John posted...That's my Pop...wait til he tells you his Jackie Robinson story...it was also just a little over 5 years ago they lost their daughter Alyssa.
Just curious about what some of you think about this, but am I the only one out there who absolutely hates what they have done to the playoffs over the past few years ? (not the wild card, I love that) It's the schedule that I abhor.
1.) First off- way, way too many off days. Playing the WS in November is totally absurd. Blame it on FOX and greedy owners becuase they want to start each series on a Weds, as opposed to a Sat, when ratings are typically higher. I just can't believe how ridiculous it is to be playing your showcase event in weather that is more suited for football. And oh by the way, just think if Twins make it someday. Their new stadium is outdoors. Can you imagine playing the WS in Minnesota at night in November, outside ? OMG is that stupid or what ?
2.) The games are too long thanks to extra time for commercials. Again, blame it on greedy owners.
3.) The games start too late. Please tell me how stupid it is to start your WS (and LCS) at 8PM or 8:30 Est, 7 or 7:30 CST when the games last at a minumum of 4 hours ? That means the games are ending at LEAST past Midnight on east coast and 11PM in central. If you have to go to work or school the next day, outside of the fans of the teams playing, most people will not stay up for that. And oh by the way, you now will have a generation of kids that will grow up having never seen the endings of WS or playoff games. Are these owners really that shortsighted ? They will never get it. Or I guess they don't care, since it will be someone else's problem 20 years from now.
4.) Joe Buck - He has to be the most lifeless announcer in sports. I would rather listen to crickets chirping. Then again, there isn't much difference. He is sooooooo dull. He announces the WS with about as much passion as you might expect from someone announcing a spring training game. zzzzzzzzzzzz.
Also, there isn't hard evidence to support this, but have you noticed that over the last 6 to 7 years, there have been very few series' that have gone the distance ? I don't know if its a coincidence or not, but it seems awful odd to me that every series is either a sweep or over in 5. And the Divsion series NEVER seem to go 5 games. That's terrible. Very Anti-climatic.
And they wonder why the ratings keep going down. Duh.
Even when the cubs were never in the playoffs, I used to love watching the playoffs and WS, as a baseball fan. Now it is really hard to get excited about it. There was always that sense that the drama was building back in the 80's or 90's. Now, thanks to all the reasons above, I don't sense any of that. I still watch, but I don't enjoy anywhere near what I used to. I almost have to force myself now where I used to never miss a game. And I love baseball more now than I did back then. IMO, these owners are killing the golden goose. They are shooting themselves in the foot for the long haul. Again, they will never get it.
Thoughts ?
Yes, yes, yes and no.
The schedule is ridiculous. All about TV. I was glad when Scioscia rallied against it. He pointed out that winning your division early doesn't even matter, both teams are able to re-adjust their rotations because there are enough off days before and during the division series. Doesn't seem right.
Buck is bad, but last night I was subjected to listening to ESPN radio...now I really dislike Joe Morgan's game calling anytime, but on the radio he is WORSE than crickets chirping. He is so clearly an NL fan, his bias is bad and he was quiet like Ronny till the Phils would rally. Problem is, he is NOT Ronny.
But that game reminded me why I cannot invest emotionally into any other sports teams. One heartbreaking ball busting team affliction is enough. I really felt bad for Philly fans last night...for a few minutes.
I agree...completely.
I think the problem goes beyond the owners.....the biggest problem is the assclown commissioner Bud Selig. To me he is a joke. I liken my thoughts of Selig to Aaron's thoughts of Jim Hendry.
This is why in the past 20 years or so the NFL has dominated MLB. In the last 20 years the NFL has had Paul Tagliabue and now Roger Goodall. Over that same period MLB has had A. Bartlett Giamatti (who died in office), Fay Vincent, and then Bud Selig. Selig was officially named commissioner in 1998, but actually was in full control when Vincent resigned in 1992.
The kicker to that is that from 1992-1998 Bud Selig was President of the Milwaukee Brewers and Chairman of the Executive Council which by terms of Major League rules gave him full power in the absence of a commissioner. WHAT??? An owner has all the power?? That's when I knew baseball management was a joke.
It was an insult to my intelligence for Selig to play as stupid as he did with the whole steroids issue. Selig has been in the game as an owener since 1970. As the Commissioner it should be his job to know what the hell is happening in baseball. But instead it's the good ol boys club. Thats why to your point all the decisions made are all about money for the owners.
As I said, just look how far the NFL has come to dominate the sports world on the last 20 years. They had true leadership in the NFL whereas MLB just had a jackass. My personal favorite example is how players are held accountable for their behavior both on and off the field. Baseball--yeah right.
Until MLB fixes their leadership, poor business decisions will continue to be made.
Joe, I agree with you completely on all you have to say about Selig.
However, you also have to factor in the strength of the players union in baseball. No other sport has to contend with it's likes.
If Bradley was playing football...he wouldn't be a problem...He'd be an
Oakland Raider at about 25percent of his current salary. Actually not a bad idea...Hendry should offer him to Davis
for a cheerleader...that we could convert into a ballgirl. lol.
But the fact is...the system IS broken
when you have all these bad contracts
for underachieving players.
Somehow, baseball needs to figure out a way to put their best performers out there at all times...be it a kid coming up or a veteran resurgence...like football does...but arbitration and guaranteed contracts take care of that.
And then there is our braintrust at work.
By the way...Ed Lynch really is still on the payroll...I checked the front office personal chart...he must have a lifetime consultancy...You would think that Andy McPhail would have brought him to the Orioles with him by now.
Baseball must address the playoff schedule, I agree. The days off are ridiculous.
As you know, the reason for the late series this year is because of the World Baseball Classic ... I really do not like the WBC and wish they would never play another one.
Baseball must make changes in their schedule making to prevent this. Maybe a Sunday a month having doubleheaders ... like they used to. The gate would suffer but it might help those teams that do not sell out.
As for the post-season, they must change it. The Wild Card winner must have a disadvantage ... as well as the division winner with the third best record. Give the teams with the top two records in each league home field advantage with four home games. Make those teams earn it.
Also, baseball is played everyday during the summer ... why change it for the playoffs. Make the first round five games in six days. You get the drift.
Baseball, like the Cubs, need to think out side of the proverbial box.
I say we keep Bradley unless we are getting Carl Crawford or Grady Sizemore. We all Jim Hendry and his trades are horrible. Can we non-tender Aaron Heilman. I think that we need to resign rich Harden because I think our pitching staff is already shaky. Can we trust Zambrano, Dempster or Gorzelanny. The only two I trust is Ted Lily and Randy Wells. We need to address the seventh inning role to see who is going to fill that void.
Ronald, don't you think there will be better options out there then Harden and his gimpy arm?
If we have to take a flyer on an injury prone pitcher...what about Sheets dor roughly the same money Harden would command.
I prefer not to do that at all...but there may be better options available
then Harden.
The whole key to this offseason is to resolve Bradley early so we know what's what...and can pursue other avenues to improve the team...What is pitching is included in the Bradley deal?
I would sign Harden ONLY if the price is right. If he wants crazy money or several years he can go elsewhere.
I still recommend that in the case of Bradley and Soriano, just trade them without asking for any player in return. Try to get whatever payroll relief that you can, and just move on.
Gosh, I hate this bad contract for bad contract scenario, and I just know that Hendry will fail miserably again on saddling us with someone else's retread mistake.
Unfortunately the contracts just dont disappear and there is no such thing as payroll relief in your scenario.
Bradley is slightly easier to deal with than Soriano who has much more money and several more years than Bradley.
The only option is to swap crappy contracts or in your suggestion of not taking anyone back--the Cubs would have to eat much of the money they owe as teams are not just going to take on the Cubs mistake. Thus there would be no payroll relief.
I do however wish it was as simple as you suggested...would make things easier!
I agree with Suzy and Joe on Harden; you can't offer him more than 1 year with his track record of injuries and for low $$.
Where I really hate the bad contract swap is if it includes a pitcher. Getting a bum pitcher is worse that a bum OF, IMO. Carlos Silva, Oliver Perez, etc...take up a seat on a shorter bench, what do you do with a SP that totally stinks? You either keep losing every 5th day or you cut him because you don't have room to just let him sit (unless you're a RP, then Lou is pretty good at wasting that roster spot). At least with a bum like Burrell you can play him once in awhile without high risk of him losing the game for the team. I hate arguing less of two evils!
Which all comes around to just dropping cutting Milton free or trading him for prospects if the pitcher you get in return is just going to get demoted-dfa-cut lose eventually anyway.
How about our bullpen, you guys satisfied with the group we have right now?
No time just now Ron...but our bullpen...as you know needs work...will discuss more tomorrow.
Nobody responded to my post.
So I guess I'm the only one who doesn't like the current playoff schedule.
Pretty soon we'll be playing on
Thanksgiving.
Oh well.
:-)
ccoo26oo...well certainly don't want you to feel left out...:).
To be honest...I thought we covered this a while ago...baseball is not meant to be played in cold weather and I hate the schedule...as you noted...Thanksgiving is looming and the Series is still being played...it's really nuts.
I believe the solution we came to was the return of the double header...
modern version of course (Day/Night games)...which might take a week off the schedule...eliminate a few of the off days between games...But collectively, the owners will have to come to their senses.
Cold snowy and or sleety games are not conducive to the best play....
Re late night games...that should be fut back to earlier games...they are trading
immediate dollars for the future well being of the game...the kids can't watch as much if it is late.
When I was a kid...I can remember listening to a transister radio to the World Series...during the schoolday...but all the kids were abuzz about the Series...their's baseball's
future...and they are ignoring it.
No...don't feel alone oo26oo...it's just a ton of other things just now.
I will respond later ... long day.
Well,I think that the teams should only have only one day off to travel because soon it will be overshadowed by football.
Thanks, Suz.
I knew you would come through.
:-)
there are ton of other things going on ? LOL
Besides Ricketts, what would that be ?
I think if you expecting an active winter, you are going to be sorely disappointed. I think very little will happen this winter. Hendry's hands are tied, thanks to him.
Anyway, the playoff thing is just a pet peeve of mine, I guess. It could be and should be, so much better.
I'm just surprised there's not more talk about it. I think the playoffs are so hard to watch now...for the reasons I stated above.
I guess they are very lucky, in a way, that its not snowing. Maybe if it was, there would be more talk about it.
But isn't it pathetic to say they are "lucky" it isn't snowing ? In reality, instead of snow, they are getting 45 degrees and rain, which are also deplorable conditions for baseball. And like I said, they are LUCKY to be getting that in November. It could be a lot worse. See Colorado.
I guess I just don't understand how you can keep playing your showcase event in such miserable, horrendous conditions. That's not how the game is supposed to be played. It just makes no sense to me. I mean look at the NFL, which is supposed to the toughest game of all. Do you see them playing the Super bowl in cold weather cities in Feb ? Of course not. Could you imagine how ridiculous that would be ?
We have bad weather in April too, but those are regular season games, not the world series.
Oh well.
does anyone know when tickets go on sale?
For the regular season?